Massachusetts abortion limits are officially gone after Democratic Gov. Maura Healey signed a sweeping new law that allows abortions up to birth. The move makes Massachusetts the 10th state to remove gestational age limits, placing the state among the most permissive abortion jurisdictions in the country.
The measure, known as the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, gives health care workers broader discretion when deciding whether to perform later-term abortions without facing legal penalties under the state’s former restrictions. Healey said the law is meant to keep Massachusetts an option for families dealing with serious pregnancy complications, including maternal health problems and fatal diagnoses, so they do not have to travel elsewhere for care. The law is set to take effect in 90 days.
Healey marked the signing with a vow to keep abortion “safe, legal and accessible” in Massachusetts for as long as she serves as governor. “We believe that health care decisions should be made between women and families and their doctors, not politicians,” she said. She also said, “Abortion will remain safe. It will remain legal, and it will remain accessible here in Massachusetts. That’s my commitment to you.”
Until now, Massachusetts law generally barred abortions after 24 weeks, with limited exceptions. The new statute removes that limit and puts the state in line with Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont, along with the District of Columbia, all of which have dropped gestational age limits.
